"Sony has a very hardware-centric approach. You have to buy the Blu-ray drive whether you want it or not," he complained.

"The fact that we're a software company gives an enormous competitive advantage, because we can add capabilities like this. This is totally integrated seamlessly for our users."

But of course Sony has hit back, with a spokesperson telling Next-Gen.biz, "PlayStation 3's content is designed for everyone to enjoy right out of the box, no matter which configuration you purchase."

Continuing to jab Microsoft for its decision to split 360s between Core systems, which lack hard disks, and premium boxes which have them, the spokesperson said Sony "would never segregate or shut out any of our consumers from our entertainment experience because they didn't buy the top of the line system."

"Both PlayStation 3 versions available on November 17 include hard drives for downloading content," the spokesperson concluded.

All of which raises a very important question: who would win out of a fight between Phil Harrison and Peter Moore?